“A collection is often an actual journey for us; it comprises what you take with you and what you bring back both physically and mentally from the experience”, explains Kim Jones, Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Studio and Style Director, working under the Artistic Direction of Marc Jacobs. “This season involved travelling to the Himalayas for research and it was the mountain Kingdom of Bhutan that still had that mystery surrounding it; it was almost a fantasy idea as well as a real place. Backpacking has not ruined Bhutan – you have to be invited there – and it feels so exotic, almost from another time. It is the only place in the world where snow leopards and tigers cross paths and that is one of the reasons why the snow leopard became a chief motif in the collection.”
The Magic Mountain. This season sees the Vuitton traveller, always journeying both literally and metaphorically, venture to the magical mountains of the Himalayas, particularly to the Kingdom of Bhutan.
The shoes from Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2013 Menswear show feature study soles and a flash of subtle metal work. Boots and derby shoes come in beautiful grained leather that contrasts with its more decadent counterpart, alligator, in the same styles that appear in a palette of navy, moss green and earth brown. For evening, patent leather richelieus and velvet dancing slippers with an intricately crafted teddy bear patch are the standout pieces. They are an appropriate opulent counterpoint to the “Garden in Hell” theme of the collection.
As for craftsmanship, the shoes are crafted using the Blake construction technique for immediate suppleness and comfort. Blake stitching crosses the entire structure of the shoe and is visible on the inside. The thread is embedded in the outsole making it less vulnerable to wear and tear.
Discover the Louis Vuitton Fall/Winter 2013 Men’s Show Shoes:
Nightbird Richelieu in Patent Calf Leather
Price: approx. US$1150
A masterpiece for shoe connoisseurs, this elegant evening lace-up is cut from a single piece of textured patent calf leather, creating an exceptionally pure line. It is complemented by refined details, including grosgrain ribbon trim and an LV-embossed, metal-covered heel.
Exodus Derby in Samara Leather
Price: tba
One of the statement styles of Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2013 men’s fashion show, this casual chic derby in supple Samara pigskin leather leather was inspired by hiking boots. It features a sturdy and elaborate outsole combining a leather welt, a micro midsole and a treaded rubber sole. Metal plaque and metal LV details are then embedded in the heel.
Exodus Derby in Pony-Styled Calf Leather
Price: approx. US$1200
One of the statement styles of Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2013 men’s fashion show, this casual chic derby in pony-styled calf leather leather was inspired by hiking boots. It features a sturdy and elaborate outsole combining a leather welt, a micro midsole and a treaded rubber sole. Metal plaque and metal LV details are then embedded in the heel.
Exodus Ankle Boot in Glazed Calf Leather
Price: tba
One of the statement styles of Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2013 men’s fashion show, this trendy combat boot in glazed calf leather was inspired by hiking boots. It features a sturdy and elaborate outsole combining a leather welt, a micro midsole and a treaded rubber sole. Metal plaque and metal LV details are then embedded in the heel.
Exodus Ankle Boot in Samara Leather
Price: approx. US$1200
One of the statement styles of Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2013 men’s fashion show, this trendy combat boot in Samara pigskin leather was inspired by hiking boots. It features a sturdy and elaborate outsole combining a leather welt, a micro midsole and a treaded rubber sole. Metal plaque and metal LV details are then embedded in the heel.
Exodus Ankle Boot in Pony-Styled Calf Leather
Price: approx. US$1350
One of the statement styles of Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2013 men’s fashion show, this trendy combat boot in pony-styled calf leather was inspired by hiking boots. It features a sturdy and elaborate outsole combining a leather welt, a micro midsole and a treaded rubber sole. Metal plaque and metal LV details are then embedded in the heel.
Exodus Ankle Boot in Alligator Leather
Price: approx. US$9550
One of the statement styles of Louis Vuitton’s Fall/Winter 2013 men’s fashion show, this trendy combat boot in luxurious alligator leather was inspired by hiking boots. It features a sturdy and elaborate outsole combining a leather welt, a micro midsole and a treaded rubber sole. Metal plaque and metal LV details are then embedded in the heel.
Backpacker Ankle Boot in Shearling and Calf Leather
Price: approx. US$1650
Leading the trend for hiking shoes, this wintry ankle boot in a sophisticated mix of shearling and smooth calf leather features key sporty and technical details, including a padded back, screws in the side, and oversized eyelets. It comes on a sturdy and elaborate outsole combining a leather welt, a micro midsole and a treaded rubber sole with LV metal accessories.
Talisman Loafer in Velvet
Price: approx. US$1450
As a result of Louis Vuitton’s high-profile collaboration with the Chapman brothers, this chic slipper-style velvet loafer with grosgrain edging is embellished with a teddy bear patch, which is made from hand-embroidered metal threads and springs which were individually stitched by hand, taking 16 hours for one pair.
Talisman Loafer in Textile
Price: tba
This eye-catching slipper style loafer is covered with a jacquard fabric featuring the “Garden in Hell” print created by the Chapman brothers in collaboration with Louis Vuitton.
SOURCE: ILVOELV – Read entire story here.
